September 29, 2012 5:17am EDTSeptember 28, 2012 9:26pm EDTHomer Bailey is the first Cincinnati Reds pitcher since 1988 (Tom Browning's perfect game) to toss a no-hitter, beating the Pirates 1-0. Bailey's gem is the seventh no-no in MLB this year, which ties the modern record.

The Cincinnati Reds just gave the rest of the National League playoff field another reason to worry: Right-hander Homer Bailey no-hit the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night in a masterful performance that was one error and one walk away from perfection.

In the 1-0 win, Bailey struck out 10—matching his season and career high—and was on cruise control from the start against a Pirates team that now must win its final five games to avoid a 20th consecutive losing season.

Bailey threw only 115 pitches in his first career no-hitter, the first by a Reds pitcher since Tom Browning’s perfect game in 1988 and the seventh in the majors this season. It also marked the first time the Pirates had been no-hit since St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Famer Bob Gibson did the honors in 1971.

Bailey's gem was historic in another way; it tied a modern major league record for no-hitters in a season. There were seven no-hitters in both 1990 and 1991.

Not only was Bailey dealing with the pressure of tossing his first no-no, he was locked in a one-run game throughout. Still, the only time he seemed to struggle was during a four-pitch walk to Andrew McCutchen in the seventh inning. McCutchen promptly stole second base before being thrown out trying to swipe third, removing what was really the only distraction Bailey faced.

Bailey improved to 13-10 with a 3.75 ERA on the season, 9-2 with a 2.41 ERA on the road and 3-1 with a 2.01 ERA in six September starts. Also of note: All three of his career complete games have come at PNC Park. The first was a shutout in May 2010; the second was a one-run effort on May 29 of this season

With the nine-inning effort Friday night, Bailey passed the 200-inning plateau for the first time in his career. He also has career highs in starts (32) strikeouts (162). The 26-year-old was the Reds’ first-round pick (seventh overall) in 2004 and—in his fourth full major league season—is fulfilling the lofty expectations that seemingly have burdened him in previous years.

“We’re trying to get the best record in the National League and that was my whole thought process, was trying to keep my team in the game and put up zeroes since we had one run,” Bailey told Fox Sports Ohio.

The Reds, locked in a battle with the Washington Nationals for the No. 1 seed in the NL playoffs, now feature four starters with at least 12 wins and ERAs no higher than 3.70. And the dominance doesn’t stop with the rotation. Cincinnati relievers lead the majors with a 2.66 ERA.

About the only thing missing for the Reds right now is manager Dusty Baker, who is expected back Monday after being hospitalized for an irregular heartbeat and suffering a minor stroke last week. Baker has a lot of catching up to do. In addition to missing Bailey’s no-hitter, he missed the team’s NL Central-clinching celebration.

The way Bailey and the Reds are going, Baker should get another chance to join the festivities.